ATTAS

Celebration in Prague - ATTAS in 2008

This image shows the ATTAS research aircraft at the airport in Prague. DLR researchers contributed to the project EMMA' (European Airport Movement Management) in 2008 by testing traffic detection and runway monitoring.

Greetings to ATTAS for its baptism in 1985

"ATTAS flies like a Phoenix as it rises from the ashes." In this greeting for the baptism of ATTAS in 1985, the airline company MBB (Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm) made reference to the previous 614-VFW programme. Most of these aircraft are no longer operational. The MBB staff hoped that, with ATTAS, at least one VFW 614 would remain operational for years to come.

ATTAS on 19 February 1985 - without its nose boom

The photo shows the ATTAS research aircraft after its conversion in Lemwerder. In February 1985, the airline company MBB (Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm) conducted a second flight with the modified aircraft. The fuselage had not yet been painted in DLR colours.

ATTAS wearing a 'wing glove' in 1987

This image shows ATTAS with a changed profile. In 1987 a portion of the right wing was equipped with what is known as 'laminar glove'. A fibre-glass reinforced composite glove was placed on the original aluminum structure. DLR researchers investigated whether longer laminar flow profiles would be possible in commercial aircraft as well. If so, the resistance and thus the fuel consumption could be reduced. Infrared cameras measured the laminar-turbulent boundary layer transition.

Landing regardless of weather conditions: ATTAS and its crew in 1999

ATTAS and the test team of the 'AWARD' EU project. In 1999, a radar and an infrared camera (FLIR) were installed in its nose boom. With the project, researchers were looking to improve visibility for pilots, known as 'Enhanced Vision'. The data acquired by the additional sensors allowed for the display of contours on a head-up display, superimposing it with the natural vision.

Tunnel in the Sky: Project 'DASA' to support pilots in 1999

Project "DASA" for low level flight management:An optimal route is calculated based on a digital terrain model, and an additional display guides the pilot along this route. Here, the ATTAS research aircraft is flying at an altitude of approximately 300 metres above Weserberglands and Harz region.

ATTAS with smoke generator in 2001

A smoke generator was installed on the left wing tip of ATTAS to intensify the backscatter signal. The wake of an aircraft was specifically controlled and measured in 2001. The smoke generator was mounted on the left wing as fittings had been installed for a previous experiment involving a camera mount.

ATTAS cockpit after the upgrade in 2003

This image shows the ATTAS cockpit. The left hand side cockpit controls (evaluation pilot's seat) are disconnected from the right hand side mechanical basic aircraft controls of the safety pilot. The evaluation pilot has a two-axes sidestick, FBW-thrust levers, a landing flap lever, and programmable electronic primary and navigational displays available.

ATTAS cabin after the expansion in 2003

In 2003 ATTAS was fitted with a new experiment system. The research aircraft received a new computer system for measuring and recording data. The image shows the working positions, where the flight test engineer and researcher can display data during flight.

Visitors from the sky

ATTAS in flight

This image shows ATTAS (Advanced Technologies Testing Aircraft System) during a test flight in 2007. ATTAS was used as a test aircraft by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for 27 years. ATTAS was designed as a 'flying simulator' to test the flight behavior of others aircraft - in existence or virtual.

ATTAS cockpit view - runway guidance with data link

The picture shows the display of the project "EMMA" (European Airport Movement Management) for runway guidance with a data link at the Milan Malpensa airport in 2008. On the right of the image is what is known as the taxi display.

Visualisation of a wake vortex

Visualisation of a wake vortex generated by ATTAS at the research airfield. Wake vortices are air turbulences produced by the wings, particularly during low-speed flying during take-off and landing.

The aim of the experiments is to reduce the possible separation distance between aircraft coming in to land or taking off behind one other, by means of a more accurate computation of the evolution and decay of wake vortices.

Front view of ATTAS

The application portfolio of ATTAS is very wide-ranging. With its measurement and test equipment, ATTAS is used for numerous test duties, such as testing future air traffic control procedures and low-noise approaches, for example. Research into wake vortices is also carried out with ATTAS; these are air turbulences that occur as a result of the lift produced on the wings.